🚨 Hazing Legal Emergency: Your Rights as a Fulton County Student or Parent

Hazing isn’t tradition. It’s torture. And it’s happening at colleges near Fulton County, Illinois.

If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization in or near Fulton County, you have legal rights. Attorney 911 is currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — and we’re ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Fulton County families.

You don’t have to stay silent. You don’t have to accept abuse as “tradition.” And you don’t have to fight alone.

⚠️ What Counts as Hazing in Illinois?

Illinois law defines hazing as any activity that:

• Endangers the physical or mental health of a student
• Is used for initiation, admission, or affiliation with any organization
• Includes forced consumption of alcohol, drugs, or food
• Includes physical abuse like beatings, paddling, or extreme exercise
• Includes psychological abuse like sleep deprivation, humiliation, or threats

This means activities like:

• Forced drinking until vomiting or passing out
• Extreme physical punishment (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls)
• Waterboarding or simulated drowning
• Being struck with wooden paddles or other objects
• Sleep deprivation and exhaustion
• Carrying sexual objects or forced nudity
• Being hog-tied or restrained against your will

These aren’t “pranks.” They’re crimes. And they can cause permanent physical and psychological damage.

🏥 The Medical Reality: Hazing Can Destroy Lives

Our current client was hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being forced to do extreme physical activities. Rhabdomyolysis occurs when muscle tissue breaks down and releases proteins that damage the kidneys. It can be fatal.

Other medical consequences of hazing include:

• Alcohol poisoning (which can be deadly)
• Traumatic brain injuries from beatings or falls
• Broken bones and internal injuries
• Hypothermia or heat stroke from exposure
• Cardiac arrest from extreme physical exertion
• PTSD, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts
• Death

Hazing doesn’t just hurt students physically. It destroys their mental health, their academic careers, and their futures.

🏛️ Who Can Be Held Responsible?

In our current case, we’re suing:

• The local fraternity chapter that organized the hazing
• The national fraternity organization that failed to prevent it
• The university that owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
• Individual fraternity members who participated
• Former members who allowed hazing at their homes

This means that if your child was hazed in Fulton County, we can pursue:

• The local chapter of the organization
• The national organization (many have chapters near Fulton County)
• The college or university (if they knew or should have known about hazing)
• Individual perpetrators (who can be held personally liable)

💰 What Compensation Can Fulton County Families Recover?

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages:

• Medical bills (hospital stays, doctor visits, therapy, medications)
• Future medical expenses (if injuries require ongoing treatment)
• Lost wages (if the victim missed work during recovery)
• Educational disruption (tuition, lost scholarships, delayed graduation)

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering (the agony of rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, etc.)
• Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution)
• Emotional distress (humiliation, shame, loss of trust)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)

Punitive Damages:

• Additional money to punish the organization for egregious conduct
• Meant to send a message that hazing won’t be tolerated
• Can be substantial when conduct is especially outrageous (like waterboarding)

In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million — an amount supported by recent hazing verdicts and settlements across the country.

⏳ Time Is Critical: Illinois Statute of Limitations

Illinois law gives you only 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit.

This means:

• If your child was hazed in Fall 2023, you may have until Fall 2025 to take action
• Evidence disappears quickly (texts get deleted, witnesses forget, organizations destroy records)
• The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.

🔍 Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Fulton County Hazing Case?

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win.

2. We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know how they think, how they strategize, and how they try to minimize claims. We use that insider knowledge to maximize recovery for our clients.

3. We Have Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, which means we can pursue cases against national organizations regardless of where they’re headquartered.

4. We’re Willing to Travel to Fulton County

While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide. We will travel to Fulton County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.

5. We Offer Free, Confidential Consultations

We understand that coming forward about hazing can be scary. We offer free, confidential consultations with no obligation. You can meet with us by phone, video, or in person.

6. We Work on Contingency — No Upfront Costs

We don’t get paid unless you get paid. There are no upfront costs for Fulton County families. We take the risk so you can seek justice.

7. We Speak Spanish

Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. We have bilingual staff ready to assist you in Spanish.

8. We Have a Proven Track Record

We’ve recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims. We’ve handled complex cases against major institutions, including the BP Texas City explosion litigation.

📞 What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Fulton County

Step 1: Ensure Safety

If your child is in immediate danger, call 911. If they’re injured, seek medical attention immediately.

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

DO NOT delete any messages, photos, or videos. Save:

• Text messages and social media posts about hazing
• Photos or videos of injuries or hazing activities
• Names and contact information of witnesses
• Any documents or manuals given to your child by the organization
• Medical records and bills

Step 3: Don’t Confront the Organization Alone

DO NOT talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal counsel. They may try to pressure your child into signing documents or making statements that could hurt their case.

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Call our 24/7 Hazing Legal Emergency Hotline at:

1-888-ATTY-911

Or email: ralph@atty911.com

We offer free, confidential consultations for Fulton County families.

🏫 Colleges and Universities Near Fulton County Where Hazing May Occur

While we don’t have specific evidence of hazing at these institutions, we know that national fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others operate chapters at colleges throughout Illinois. Hazing is a nationwide problem, and Fulton County students may be at risk at:

• Bradley University (Peoria, IL)
• Western Illinois University (Macomb, IL)
• Illinois State University (Normal, IL)
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Illinois Wesleyan University (Bloomington, IL)
• Knox College (Galesburg, IL)
• Monmouth College (Monmouth, IL)

If your child attends or plans to attend any college near Fulton County, they could be at risk of hazing.

⚖️ Illinois Hazing Laws: Know Your Rights

Illinois Hazing Statute (720 ILCS 120/5)

Illinois law makes hazing a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,500.

The law defines hazing as:

“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are or include students at an educational institution, when:

(a) the act is not sanctioned or authorized by the educational institution; and

(b) the act results in bodily harm to any person.”

Importantly, the law states:

“Consent to hazing is not a defense.”

This means that even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held legally responsible.

Illinois Civil Liability

In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims in Illinois can sue for:

• Negligence (failure to protect students)
• Assault and battery (intentional harmful contact)
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress (outrageous conduct causing severe distress)
• Premises liability (if hazing occurred on unsafe property)

📰 Recent Hazing Cases That Show What’s Possible

1. Stone Foltz Case (Ohio, 2021)

• Victim: Stone Foltz, 20, Pi Kappa Alpha pledge at Bowling Green State University
• Hazing: Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol
• Result: Died from alcohol poisoning
• Outcome: $10.1 million settlement (university + fraternity)

2. Maxwell Gruver Case (Louisiana, 2017)

• Victim: Maxwell Gruver, 18, Phi Delta Theta pledge at LSU
• Hazing: Forced drinking during “Bible Study” event
• Result: Died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495 — more than 6x legal limit)
• Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict; Max Gruver Act (made hazing a felony in Louisiana)

3. Timothy Piazza Case (Pennsylvania, 2017)

• Victim: Timothy Piazza, 19, Beta Theta Pi pledge at Penn State
• Hazing: Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs multiple times
• Result: Died from traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding
• Outcome: Estimated $110 million settlement; Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law

4. Our Current Case: Leonel Bermudez (Texas, 2025)

• Victim: Leonel Bermudez, Pi Kappa Phi pledge at University of Houston
• Hazing: Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles, forced eating until vomiting
• Result: Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
• Status: $10 million lawsuit filed; case ongoing

These cases prove that hazing victims and their families can win. The same legal strategies apply to Fulton County cases.

🎯 Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Hazing often happens in secret, but there are warning signs to watch for:

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Difficulty walking or moving
• Changes in eating habits
• Weight loss
• Signs of alcohol or drug use

Behavioral Signs:

• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Sudden changes in mood or behavior
• Anxiety or depression
• Fear or reluctance to discuss certain activities
• Sudden drop in academic performance
• Avoiding certain people or places

Organizational Signs:

• Being required to carry specific items (like a fanny pack with sexual objects)
• Being required to wear specific clothing
• Being required to perform tasks for members
• Being forced to attend late-night or early-morning activities
• Being threatened with expulsion for not complying

If you notice any of these signs, talk to your child. And contact us immediately.

🚫 What NOT to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed

Don’t:

• Delete any messages or posts — This destroys evidence
• Confront the organization alone — They may pressure your child or destroy evidence
• Sign any documents from the organization — They may contain waivers or releases
• Post about the incident on social media — Anything you post can be used against you
• Assume it’s “just tradition” — Hazing is illegal and dangerous
• Wait to take action — Evidence disappears, and legal deadlines approach

✅ What TO Do: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Ensure Your Child’s Safety

• If they’re in immediate danger, call 911
• If they’re injured, seek medical attention immediately
• Remove them from any dangerous situation

2. Preserve Evidence

• Save all text messages (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, etc.)
• Save all social media posts (Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, etc.)
• Take photos of injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, etc.)
• Write down everything your child remembers (dates, times, locations, names, what happened)
• Get names and contact information of witnesses
• Save any documents given to your child by the organization

3. Seek Medical Attention

• Even if injuries seem minor, get them checked
• Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
• Medical records create documentation for your case

4. Report the Hazing

• To the university: File a formal complaint with the school’s student affairs office
• To the police: Consider filing a police report (hazing is a crime in Illinois)
• To the national organization: If it’s a fraternity or sorority, report to the national headquarters

5. Contact Attorney 911

• Call our 24/7 Hazing Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
• Email: ralph@atty911.com
• We offer free, confidential consultations
• We can guide you through the next steps

📞 Why Fulton County Families Should Call Us Now

1. We’re Already Fighting This Fight

We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win.

2. We Understand the Culture

We know how fraternities operate. We know their tactics. We know how to counter their defenses.

3. We Know the Law

Illinois hazing laws are clear. Consent is not a defense. Organizations can be held liable. We know how to use the law to protect your child.

4. We Have the Resources

We work with medical experts, hazing culture experts, and investigators to build strong cases.

5. We’re Not Afraid to Go to Trial

Many law firms settle cases quickly for less than they’re worth. We’re not afraid to take cases to trial to get the compensation your family deserves.

6. We Work on Contingency

You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

7. We Serve Fulton County Families

While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide. We offer video consultations and will travel to Fulton County for your case.

🔥 Our Message to Fulton County Fraternities and Universities

To the fraternities operating near Fulton County:
We know who you are. We know your corporate structures. We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements. If you haze students in Fulton County, we will find every liable entity.

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others:
If your chapter operates near Fulton County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America. We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.

To colleges and universities near Fulton County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.

To Greek life leadership at Fulton County institutions:
The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.

🏆 What Fulton County Families Can Achieve

When you stand up against hazing, you’re not just fighting for your child. You’re fighting for every student who might be next.

By pursuing legal action, you can:

• Hold the organization accountable for what they did to your child
• Recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages
• Force the organization to change their culture of abuse
• Protect future students from experiencing the same trauma
• Send a message that hazing won’t be tolerated in Fulton County

📞 Contact Attorney 911 Today

If your child has been hazed in Fulton County, you have legal rights. And we can help you enforce them.

Call our 24/7 Hazing Legal Emergency Hotline:

1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

Free, confidential consultation. No obligation. No upfront costs.

We don’t get paid unless you get paid.

🚨 Don’t Wait. Evidence Disappears. Deadlines Approach. Your Child Deserves Justice.

Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Protecting Fulton County Families from Hazing Abuse